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PRESS RELEASEResidents Encouraged to Stay Off the IceWednesday, January 30, 2013

Barrie Fire and Emergency Service are warning that mild weather conditions and forecasted high winds for later today will further contribute to the unstable ice conditions. There is no such thing as completely safe when dealing with ice. There are many factors that can change the thickness of ice even in the coldest weather. It is not uncommon for large areas of water to open up as a result of pressure cracks even when the ice is very thick.

If someone falls through the ice, call 911 immediately.

Know what to do if you hear the ice crack: 1. Lay down on the ice. 2. Call for help loudly and clearly 3. Crawl or roll back to land.

Self-Rescue Steps: 1. Float on your stomach facing the shore. 2. Reach forward onto the ice - do not push down on it. 3. Kick your legs to slowly push your torso onto the ice. 4. Crawl or roll away from the hole. 5. If you can’t climb onto the ice, float in the water and call for help loudly and clearly. 6. Get medical help immediately.

Need another reason to stay off the ice during this mild weather spell? As a result of the large scale rescue on March 9, 2012 on Lake Simcoe in Oro Medonte, the City of Barrie can now charge for the full cost recovery of technical rescues attended to by Barrie Fire and Emergency Services including ice/water rescues.

“When an ice rescue is required it usually involves four to five fire vehicles plus the air boat,” comments Deputy Fire Chief Rick Monkman. “It is our intention to bill back those people requiring rescue.”